Things to do in Aptos

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Scenic panoramic view of Rio Del Mar Beach near Santa Cruz California with a wooden pier stretching into water, flanked by coastal buildings and palms
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You'll be hard pressed to find an uncrowded #beach in the Santa Cruz/Capitola area but New Brighton is a must visit anyway. Beautiful sandy beach, sail boats, parasailing, volleyball, camping and a #lighthouse ! You just can't beat it.
Seacliff is a California State Beach located off Highway 1 in the town of Aptos about 5 miles south of Santa Cruz, on State Park Drive. The beach is most known for the concrete ship SS Palo Alto lying in the water. After the recent storms the ship broke in half and it's sinking. #Beachbound

Most popular activities in Aptos

Tours & day trips

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Redwoods Forest Bathing

Redwoods Forest Bathing

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $119 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour

Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $110 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 3 activities
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $139 per adult
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What to do in Aptos

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Aptos? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Aptos

500px Photo ID: 99992469 - Doing a series of shooting Sunset on California Coast. If you are from California, you know the challenge that the photographers face.

Rio Del Mar Beach

4.5/5(48 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Rio Del Mar Beach during your travels in Aptos? Discover the sunsets while you're in the area.

Rio Del Mar Beach
Seacliff State Beach in California. Summer 2009. , Shutterstock ID 1014567673, Purchase Order: SP-1891 Wave 0, Client/Licensee: Hotels.com

Seacliff State Beach

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Seacliff State Beach during your travels in Aptos? Wander the seaside or discover the area's sunsets.

Seacliff State Beach
Coastal Golf Course California

Seascape Golf Club

Play a round of golf in Aptos at Seascape Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as biking. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the surfing spots.

Seascape Golf Club
New Brighton Beach State Park - cliffside campsites above the beach. Gorgeous day & typical mild weather for this time of year. #rallyvogey #orangeoctober #gogiants #rallyenchiladas

New Brighton State Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, New Brighton State Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Aptos. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

New Brighton State Beach
Beautiful pregnant couple walking along the coastal beach shore

Potbelly Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Potbelly Beach during your trip to Aptos? Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Potbelly Beach

Cabrillo College

Walk around the campus at Cabrillo College during your visit to Aptos. You can seek out the surfing spots and biking trails in this walkable area.

Cabrillo College

Aptos History Museum

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Aptos History Museum during your travels in Aptos. You can seek out the biking trails and surfing spots in this walkable area.

Aptos History Museum

Nicholson Vineyards

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Nicholson Vineyards during your travels to Day Valley. You can seek out the biking trails and surfing spots in this walkable area.

Nicholson Vineyards

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Aptos

The pavllion has habitate that attract Hummingbirds and Toucans.

Rio del Mar

If you're spending some time in Rio del Mar, Monterey Bay and Seascape Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Rio del Mar
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Seacliff

While visiting Seacliff, you might make a stop by sights like Monterey Bay and Seacliff State Beach.

Seacliff
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Aptos Village

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Aptos Village and surrounding area, you can visit Seacliff State Beach and Rio Del Mar Beach.

Aptos Village
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Aptos

Los Gatos Beach in Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Los Gatos

Mama you didn’t tell me that that’s what artichokes look like

Watsonville

Aerial view of Capitola Beach in California, featuring pastel Venetian cottages, a wooden pier, a bridge over an inlet, and the Pacific Ocean.

Capitola

Capitola Village Reflections. Capitola, Santa Cruz County, California, USA.

Soquel

Frequently asked questions

Is Aptos worth visiting?
Famous for its walking trails and coastal beaches, finding awesome things to do in Aptos is a breeze. Be sure to add Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Aptos?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf. Then, explore different areas of Aptos for local restaurants and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Aptos?
The top tourist attraction in Aptos is Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Aptos?
You can easily enjoy popular sights like La Selva Beach, Seacliff State Beach and Sunset State Beach with a three-day trip to Aptos. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to San Jose.
Is Aptos a walkable city?
With attractions like Seacliff State Beach in the area, Aptos is every bit a destination to see on foot. Like to discover some cool neighborhoods within walking distance of the city center? Rio del Mar is around 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Aptos with kids?
If you're looking for sights and activities for all the family, we've got some fantastic ideas for what to do in Aptos with kids.

What to do in Aptos for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there are plenty of things to do in Aptos for adults including Soquel Vineyards and Nicholson Vineyards.
Are there free things to do in Aptos?
From enjoying parks to strolling around exciting neighborhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Aptos. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. La Selva Beach is a top spot for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing activities.